Eskom has issued a stern warning as ongoing sabotage and theft of critical electrical infrastructure continue to disrupt power supply across the country, threatening the safety, livelihoods, and daily lives of millions of South African residents.

This comes after the recent fire at the 132/11kV Substation in Brakfontein that caused significant damage to cables and 11kV feeder panels.

Several areas were plunged into darkness, including Rooihuiskraal North, The Reeds extensions, Wierdapark and Heuweloord.

Tshwane, a member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Utility Services, Frans Boshielo, earlier confirmed that the theft and vandalism of control cables caused the fire at the substation.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that teams were focused on installing control and protection cables, a critical step in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the substation.

Meanwhile, Eskom has noted a reduction in criminal activities targeting its electrical infrastructure, such as mini-substations, high-voltage pylons, and transformers, compared to the previous year.

Despite this decline, these incidents continue to be prevalent and pose a significant threat, with far-reaching impacts on electricity supply and public safety.

The power utility commends the South African Police Service (SAPS) for its recent intelligence-driven operation, which led to the arrest of six suspects found in possession of Eskom property valued at R1.5 million.

It said the suspects appeared in the Ngwelezane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 7 April 2025.

“As of the end of February, infrastructure vandalism and theft have cost Eskom approximately R221 million year-to-date (1 April 2024 until the end of February 2025), down from R271 million in the same period of the previous year.”

It added that despite this improvement, the issue demands ongoing vigilance and proactive community involvement.

“We urge communities to play a role in safeguarding the infrastructure that delivers electricity to their homes and businesses. Reliable electricity is essential for daily life—preserving food, cooking, heating, lighting, and enabling children to study after dark. Protecting this infrastructure is a shared responsibility,” says Monde Bala, Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution.

“Vandalism results in unplanned power outages, often leaving homes and businesses without electricity for extended periods. The restoration process can be prolonged, particularly when essential infrastructure such as transformers or high-voltage breaker components is damaged, as these items can take weeks to replace. We have noted a troubling rise in theft-related incidents, including the removal of pylon steel structures, illegal sand mining around pylons, and the siphoning of oil from transformers—activities that not only disrupt supply but also pose significant safety hazards,” adds Bala.

Eskom warned that the tampering with electrical infrastructure poses serious and potentially fatal risks.

“When transformers are drained of oil or connected to illegal installations, they can overheat and explode, leading to widespread power outages and, in some cases, loss of life.

“The theft of steel components from pylons compromises the structural stability of power towers, increasing the risk of collapse—particularly after heavy rainfall.”

It said this endangers both people and animals, as high-voltage lines carry thousands of volts and can be deadly upon contact.

“The impact of vandalism extends beyond households, affecting businesses, mines, and entire communities. Power outages force businesses to rely on costly backup generators, driving up operational expenses that ultimately affect the organisation and its customers.”

“We cannot continue to lose members of our communities to these preventable incidents. Everyone must remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject the notion that vandalism is an acceptable means of survival. These acts compromise electricity supply and place additional strain on Eskom’s ability to serve its customers,” concludes Bala.

Eskom calls on all community members to take an active role in protecting electrical infrastructure by reporting any vandalism or suspicious behaviour immediately. Reports can be made by calling Eskom at 0800 11 27 22, sending an SMS to 31090, or contacting local municipalities.

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